School of Continuing Studies

Return to: School of Continuing Studies

Mission Statement

The School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is committed to providing lifelong learning educational opportunities for part-time adult and continuing education students interested in degree completion, career enhancement, and personal enrichment. It provides a variety of degree and certificate programs through several delivery formats to students located both locally or at a distance. The SCS seeks to meet the diverse educational needs of its students and to ensure that its offerings reflect the high quality and learning outcomes promoted by the University.

Overview

• Accelerated Degree Completion. The SCS offers accelerated degree completion for students seeking a degree or the completion of a certificate program through the many sources of “advanced standing” credit and the variety of course delivery options available to eligible students. Generally, students can pursue their programs with minimal interference to their employment, family, and personal commitments.
• Transfer Credit. Academic credit may be awarded to eligible students for prior college attendance, military training and experience, CLEP or other standardized exams, non-traditional learning experiences, and standardized and non-standardized credit documentation (prior learning assessment).
• Bachelor and Certificate Programs. The SCS offers a wide variety of courses, certificate programs and programs leading to baccalaureate degrees.
• A ‘TriFlex’ Schedule. The SCS’s course delivery options allow students to choose from three different types of course offerings: Classroom courses (which meet on a regular weekly basis scheduled either late afternoons, evenings, or Saturdays), Directed Seminars (which meet 4-6 times per semester and normally use online instruction between classroom meetings), and Online courses (which have no class meetings and provide comprehensive online instruction).
• Convenient Scheduling of Classes. Classes are scheduled at convenient times and locations, the Providence Campus, the Newport Naval Base, and main campus is Bristol.
• Distance Learning Options. The SCS offers many distance learning courses and bachelor degree programs to distant students. These options serve students who are geographically removed from the campus and who are unable to spend long periods of time in residential study.
• Continuous Advisement. Academic advisement is available throughout the year. The SCS advisement process establishes a working relationship between each student and an assigned Academic Liaison.

Academic Liaison and the Advisement Process

Each student is assigned an Academic Liaison and must meet with (or communicate with) his or her advisor to complete a variety of activities, as they relate to admissions, registration, and enrollment. Students are urged to meet with their advisor to discuss their educational and career interests and goals.

• Advisors review and explain the requirements for a degree or certificate; determine how much eligible credit may be granted through such program options as transfer credit, CLEP exams, military training and experience, and credit documentation; and estimate how many courses and how long it might take to complete degree programs.
• The advisor will assist with the formation of a degree plan and complete an assessment of the student’s status including a listing of requirements already completed and those which need to be completed.
• The advisor is responsible for guiding the student through the stages of the academic program and identifying the appropriate courses and learning experiences.
• The advisor has primary responsibility for the student, from the formulation of the student’s degree plan to its completion. Advisors also assist students by: arranging learning experiences through which the student can achieve his or her goals; verifying that a student’s records are kept current; communicating with instructors and adjunct faculty and others involved in the student’s program; recommending the assignment of credits and the awarding of the degree; and discussing career goals.

Meetings with Academic Liaisons take place on any of the University’s campus or at appropriate off-campus sites and/or by telephone or electronic communication. The SCS offers continuous advisement throughout the year.

Prior Learning Assessment Credit Documentation

Students in the SCS are eligible to receive credit for life and work experiences which align to college-level learning, applied skills, and competencies which can be properly documented and verified. Through the credit documentation process, it is possible to earn as many as 90 credits. Such credit becomes a permanent part of a student’s record upon completion of at least 30 credits at Roger Williams University as a SCS student. Students who wish to pursue prior learning credit are assisted by the Director of Prior Learning Assessment - Credit Documentation. Some eligible credit may be granted through the University’s recognition of standardized non-collegiate learning experiences (standardized credit documentation). Students should consult with their Academic Liaison and follow up with the Director of Credit Documentation to learn more about this program. Guidelines and student instructions about all forms of Credit Documentation are available from the Director of Prior Learning Assessments - Credit Documentation. Please note all credit documentation must be submitted a year prior to expected graduation date.

Students may be awarded up to 90 credits toward their degree using one or more of the following:

• Transfer Credit: As much as three years of applicable college credit (90 credits) may be transferred from work completed previously at other accredited colleges or universities, with a grade of C or higher; up to 60 credits may be transferred from institutions that only offer associate degrees. Students transferring in with a conferred Associates degree may transfer in up to 66 credits.
• Military Training: As much as three years of college credit (90 credits) may be granted for military training and/or experience.
• Prior Learning Assessment - Credit Documentation: As much as three years of college credit (90 credits) may be granted for work experience, personal enrichment, and/or participation in conferences and workshops. Only a grade of “P” (pass) will be awarded to a course that has been documented.
• College Level Examination Program: As much as three years of college credit (90 credits) may be granted for successful completion of CLEP tests and/or other standardized exams recognized by the American Council on Education. A wide variety of subjects can be tested. To qualify for CLEP credit, students must have been out of high school for at least three years and must not have earned equivalent course credit at RWU or another institution of higher education. Students need to achieve the scores recommended and published by the American Council on Education.

Academic Requirements and General Requirements for a Degree

All degree programs require the successful completion of a minimum of 30 credits as an enrolled student at the University, and all baccalaureate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits through any combination of study and learning experiences, including credit for previous college work, Credit Documentation, CLEP or other exams, and military training and experience. Students must complete their last five courses at RWU.

University Catalog. All students should read the University catalog carefully for additional information, requirements, and/or policies which may apply to them.

Matriculation. Students wishing to pursue a program leading to a degree offered by the University must follow application procedures and be considered by the University as a matriculating student admitted to a specific degree program.

Non-Matriculation. Students may enroll in courses offered by the University even though they are not pursuing a degree. Non-matriculating students may earn college credit if they have followed proper application and registration procedures, but they cannot be considered for a degree unless they matriculate.

Declaration of a Major. All matriculating students are required to declare a major. Students wishing to change the major in which they are enrolled must consult an Academic Liaison and file a Curriculum Declaration form.

Declaration of a Minor. Bachelor degree candidates may, at their option, declare a minor after consultation with an Academic Liaison at the time of their initial registration. Students wishing to change the minor in which they are enrolled must consult with an Academic Liaison; this should be done prior to the submission of a Degree Application form.

Declaration of a Certificate. Bachelor degree candidates may, at their option, declare their intent to complete a Certificate, after consultation with an Academic Liaison at the time of their initial registration. Students wishing to change the certificate in which they are enrolled must consult with an Academic Liaison; this should be done prior to the submission of a Degree Application form.

Rate of Progress. Students taking courses through the SCS must pass at least 50 percent of those courses taken during each academic year (September 1 through August 31). Students not meeting these requirements will be placed on probation following the first semester of unsatisfactory performance

Students returning after a minimum of one semester absence under this policy will be on probation. They must pass all courses attempted and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in order to continue.

Semester Course Limit (Part-Time and Full-Time Study). Students should regulate their academic loads according to the amount of time available and required for class attendance, outside preparation, and successful course completion. Depending upon the program and the number of credits taken, students may be considered full-time and charged the appropriate tuition rates.

Transfer of Credits after Matriculation. Matriculating students wishing to take courses at other institutions and transfer credit to Roger Williams University must obtain permission of an Academic Liaison, file a Request to Attend another College form with the SCS, and submit an official transcript upon course completion. Credit for courses completed successfully with a grade of C or better will be posted to the student’s record. Grades earned will not be recorded and will not affect the student’s GPA. The last five courses in a student’s degree program must be completed at RWU.

Incomplete Grades. With faculty approval, students have up to 1-1/2 years (3 full semesters, not including summer) to complete a course for which a grade of an incomplete (I) was assigned.

All students should become familiar with the academic requirements which apply to them and their chosen program of study. Students should read the University catalog carefully and consult with their Academic Liaisons regarding all of the requirements which may apply to them. All students seeking a degree should be given a degree plan listing requirements which have been satisfied as well as requirements which need to be completed.

The Educational Process

Enrollment takes place within the University’s regular Fall and Spring Semesters, as well as the Summer Sessions, providing enrollment opportunities throughout the entire year. Students in the SCS are eligible to enroll in many of the University’s day and evening classroom course offerings on the main campus, at other satellite or University locations, or online. Through the TriFlex schedule, students may be offered such enrollment options as traditional classroom courses; directed seminars and online courses. In some cases, students may also enroll in internships and independent study courses. “Course offerings may be delivered in classroom, online, and via hybrid formats. Online and hybrid instruction use the University’s online learning management system, Bridges. On occasion and when warranted, class presentations may be delivered to students via DVD or by other electronic methods.”

Students are not required to complete an on-campus residency. In addition to the other academic and program requirements which may apply to a specific program, degree or major, all students in the SCS are required to complete a minimum enrollment requirement of thirty (30) credits at the University. These credits can be completed in the classroom, online, or through a hybrid course.

Steps in the Educational Process

• Student review of information and programs from the School Continuing Studies.
• Submission of the SCS application and application fee.
• Meeting (communication) with an Academic Liaison.
• Selection of program of study.
• Development of a degree plan.
• Program enrollment and course registration.
• Completion of courses as outlined on the degree plan.
• Completion of other requirements as outlined on the degree plan.
• Degree Completion/Graduation.

General Requirements for the Associate Degree

All students seeking an associate degree must complete:

• A minimum of 60 credits* (through any combination of study and learning experiences, including credit for previous college work, credit documentation, CLEP or other exams, and military experience).
• A minimum enrollment requirement of 15 credits taken at the University.
• A major academic program or concentration.
• A 2.0 average in all courses carrying a letter grade.
• A 2.0 average in all required major courses.
• A 2.0 average in all required minor courses (if minor is included in a student’s program).
• SCS general education requirements.*
• The last five remaining courses in your degree of study must be completed at RWU.
• All financial requirements must be met.

*61 for an Associate in Paralegal Degree

General Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree

All students seeking a baccalaureate degree must complete:

• A minimum of 120* credits (through any combination of study and learning experiences, including credit for previous college work, credit documentation, CLEP or other exams, and military experience).
• A minimum enrollment requirement of 30 credits taken at the University.
• A major academic program or concentration.
• A 2.0 average in all courses carrying a letter grade.
• A 2.0 average in all required major courses.
• A 2.0 average in all required minor courses (if minor is included in a student’s program).
• SCS general education requirements.*
• The last five remaining courses in your degree of study must be completed at RWU.
• All financial requirements must be met.

*121 for a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal

Transfer students should consult with an advisor to determine how the transfer guidelines apply to the general education requirements.

The general education requirements consist of courses from the arts, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and the social sciences. The University’s degree programs, including general education, provide students with communications skills; the ability for critical and logical analysis, scientific and quantitative reasoning; and the capability for continuing education. The general education requirements are designed to assure that all students have an awareness of and breadth of exposure to the disciplines and fields of study associated with communications skills, and the traditional liberal arts and general education areas and domains within higher education.

All SCS students are required to complete a minimum of one-fourth of their degree requirements in general education (e.g., the equivalent of thirty semester hours in a bachelor degree program, or the equivalent of fifteen semester hours in an associate degree program). General Education requirements may be satisfied by credits granted for students’ prior college attendance, CLEP examinations, military training and experience (as recommended by the American Council on Education), and credit documentation. Students transferring with a baccalaureate degree shall be considered as having met the general education requirements.

Based on University guidelines, advisors determine which transfer courses may be considered equivalent to general education courses. After assessing the general education requirements which may be satisfied through their various sources of advanced standing, students who need general education courses are advised to enroll in courses designated as the University’s General Education courses (skills and interdisciplinary core courses) whenever they are scheduled or available in the SCS as classroom or online course offerings. In addition to RWU’s skills and interdisciplinary core courses, courses may also be taken from the categories associated with the examinations of the College Board’s College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) to satisfy general education requirements. These categories include materials and subjects commonly taught during the first two years in many of the nation’s colleges and universities, and they include English Composition, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Science. These areas correspond to the University’s general education curricular categories as reflected in the skills and interdisciplinary core courses.

The general education requirements shall include the following: two writing courses (including Expository Writing and a second writing course, e.g. Critical Writing for the Professions); a Mathematics skills course; Effective Speaking Across Audiences; and at least one approved course from each of the following categories: Natural Science, Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Science, as well as two liberal art electives.

Students who have attended accredited institutions may transfer credits for successfully completed courses (C or better and courses with Pass or Satisfactory grades if such grades are equivalent to C or better). Academic liaisons determine the application of transfer credit to degree and program requirements. Such determinations may be based on comparability of depth and content to courses offered at the University, as well as other considerations. Transfer students must consult a SCS academic liaison to determine how the transfer guidelines apply to the Skills and General Education requirements. Students who have not successfully completed college-level courses in expository writing or post-algebraic mathematics may be required to take placement tests in writing and/or mathematics prior to enrollment in such courses.

Graduation with Honors

Students should note that honorary distinctions at graduation are available only to qualified students who have successfully completed a minimum of 54 semester credit hours of study through residency or course enrollment at Roger Williams University. Accordingly, degrees with honors are as follows:

• Honors (cum laude), awarded to those students who have attained a GPA of not less than 3.4;
• High Honors (magna cum laude), awarded to those students who have attained a GPA of not less than 3.6;
• Highest Honors (summa cum laude), awarded to those students who have attained a GPA of not less than 3.8.

Financial Aid

Accepted students in the SCS who take a minimum of six (6) credits per semester are eligible for financial aid. In addition, various forms of military tuition assistance are usually available to service members.

Adult Education Scholarships

The School Continue Studies makes several scholarships available each academic year to eligible students enrolled in the SCS. The amount of each scholarship may vary from one year to another. This scholarship program is based on a combination of financial need and academic promise; however, prior academic experience and community service will be taken into consideration. Applications for these scholarships may be obtained through the administrative offices of the SCS at times announced throughout the year.

Registration

In order to register for classes, it is necessary for students to contact their Academic Liaisons. Although online registration options exist, advisor contact is essential to initiate a student’s online registration.

Degrees Offered

The School of Continuing Studies offers the following undergraduate degrees. (Campus Based)

Bachelor of Science:

Criminal Justice
Cyber Security and Networking
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Management
Paralegal Studies**
Public Administration
Healthy Communities
Community Development

Bachelor of General Studies:

Humanities
Individualized Concentration
Industrial Technology
Psychology
Social Science
Technology Leadership and Management

Bachelor of Art:

Applied Psychology

The School of Continuing Studies offers the following Online undergraduate degrees.

Bachelor of Science:

Criminal Justice
Cyber Security and Networking
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Paralegal Studies**
Public Administration
Healthy Communities
Community Development

Bachelor of General Studies:

Humanities
Individualized Concentration
Industrial Technology
Psychology
Social Science
Technology Leadership and Management

**A minimum of 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional classroom setting (face-to-face).

Note: None of the Paralegal Studies offerings are affiliated with the Legal Studies Program offered by the University’s day division. Only the Paralegal Studies degree and certificate programs are ABA approved.

Online Certificate Programs

*A minimum of 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional classroom setting (face-to-face).

Campus Based Certificate Programs

The following certificate programs are available through the School of Continuing Studies for campus-based students.

Campus Based Graduate Certificate Programs

*A minimum of 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional classroom setting (face-to-face).

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees are normally available to eligible students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs within the University’s continuing education programs. Students interested in an associate degree option should speak with their advisors regarding specific requirements and eligibility. Associate degree recipients are not recognized at the May commencement, but they are recognized at a ceremony conducted by the SCS.

Associate Degree Programs

Associate of Arts
Associate of Science
Associates in Science in Criminal Justice
Associates in Science in Paralegal Studies*

*A minimum of 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional classroom setting (face-to-face).

Programs

• Applied Psychology, B.A.
• Criminal Justice, A.S.
• Criminal Justice, B.S. (University College)
• Cybersecurity and Networking, B.S.
• Emergency Medical Services, EMS Administration Track, B.S.
• Emergency Medical Services, Para-medicine Track, B.S.
• Emergency Medical Services, Public Health Track, B.S.
• Healthy Communities, B.S.
• Humanities, B.G.S.
• Individualized Concentration, B.G.S.
• Industrial Technology, B.G.S.
• Liberal Arts, A.A.
• Liberal Arts, A.S.
• Paralegal Studies, A.S.
• Paralegal Studies, B.S.
• Psychology, B.G.S.
• Public Administration, B.S.
• Social Science, B.G.S.
• Technology Leadership and Management, B.G.S.

• Public Administration Minor

• Case Management Certificate
• Community Development Certificate
• Corporate Communication Certificate
• Digital Forensics Certificate
• Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Certificate
• Gerontology Certificate
• Health Services Administration Certificate
• Healthcare Paralegal Certificate
• Municipal Management Certificate
• Nurse Paralegal Certificate
• Nursing Home Administration Certificate
• Paralegal Studies Certificate
• Sustainable Community Development and Economic Development Certificate
• Technology, Design & Production Certificate

Return to: School of Continuing Studies